QUEBEC — Abortion rights activist Henry Morgentaler was awarded his controversial Order of Canada today as other recipients caught in the tempest defended him and a handful of placard-wielding protesters voiced their opposition outside the Citadel in Quebec City.
Morgentaler, one of about 20 recipients who received the award from Governor General Michaëlle Jean, is best known for getting the country’s abortion laws struck down in the Supreme Court some 20 years ago.
His naming to the Order of Canada sparked protests from across the country with several members returning their orders and abortion opponents saying the award devalues the honour.
“I’m honoured to receive the Order of Canada today,” Morgentaler said, reading from a statement following the ceremony. “Canada’s one of the few places in the world where freedom of speech and choice prevail in a truly democratic fashion.”
Morgentaler did not take questions from reporters, but other recipients did and found themselves answering questions about the controversial Montreal doctor.
Louise Arbour, an ex-justice of the Supreme Court of Canada and a former UN high commissioner for human rights, said it is dangerous to personalize the abortion debate.
“I think we have the right to have this kind of debate, we have the right to have differences of opinion, but I think that we cannot associate ourselves with comments that personalize a hateful or contemptuous message towards another person,” Arbour said.
About a dozen protesters voiced their disapproval, adding the award has lost its value now that Morgentaler is in possession of one.
The Order of Canada is the country’s highest civilian honour for recognizing a lifetime of outstanding achievement and dedication to the community.
“I’m proud to have been given this opportunity coming from a war-torn Europe to realize my potential and my dream — that is to create a better and more humane society,” said Morgentaler, a Holocaust survivor.
Others who received the award today included Larry Tanenbaum, chairman of Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment; and prominent Montreal fashion designer Simon Chang.